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Richard Watson is a highly respected cyber security speaker, futurist, and author whose insights have shaped global understanding of future risks and opportunities. Best known for his bestselling book “Future Files: A Brief History of the Next 50 Years”, Richard has spent over two decades helping organisations anticipate and navigate emerging threats in the digital landscape. His compelling infographics, including the widely cited “Trends & Technology Timeline 2010–2050” and “Table of Disruptive Technologies”, offer clear visualisation of complex technological evolutions—making him an in-demand speaker on cyber security futures.
As the Founder of What’s Next, a pioneering platform dedicated to tracking global trends, Richard has a proven track record of helping businesses and government bodies prepare for an uncertain future. He has worked closely with the UK Ministry of Defence’s Strategic Trends Unit, RAND Corporation, and CSIRO, offering expert scenario planning on digital security and risk. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping cyber resilience strategies for the UK and Australian governments, as well as top-tier institutions like Imperial College London and the Cambridge Judge Business School.
Richard’s approach is grounded in his belief in preferred futures—the idea that organisations must actively shape their own destinies rather than passively react to change. This philosophy is evident in his collaborations with the Technology Foresight Practice at Imperial College and his role as Futurist-in-Residence at Cambridge Judge Business School, where he has delivered workshops on cyber security futures, AI ethics, and disruptive technologies. His thought leadership has also featured in McKinsey & Company’s What Matters and Fast Company Magazine, further solidifying his reputation as a trusted voice in future-focused cyber security.
For forward-thinking organisations seeking an authoritative guide through the complexities of digital risk, Richard Watson offers unparalleled expertise. Engage Richard Watson via The Cyber Security Speakers Agency to empower your team with future-proof strategies and visionary thinking.
Richard Watson is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“Richard delivered an engaging, topical and humorous presentation to the Northern Universities Insurance Group Conference at Weetwood Hall, Leeds in June 2017. It led to a though-provoking session on what risks and issues will face Universities in five years time. Richard made himself available through the whole day and held conversations and discussions with delegates for many hours after his slot. His contribution and alternative ways of thinking about the future and the impact on us all is highly recommended.”
“I invited Richard to speak at this year’s Charity Technology Conference and give the closing plenary. Richard was a pleasure to work with and gave a really engaging and amusing talk on ‘remaining human in the digital age’ which was very well-received with our delegates. I can highly recommend Richard for speaking engagements.”
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